Who we are

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Who we are *

The AFL High Performance Association (AFLHPA) was founded in 2024 for high performance practitioners in the AFL industry. Our vision is to position AFL high performance environments as world-leading in player and staff performance, wellbeing and longevity.

OUR MISSION

To connect, represent and empower AFL high performance professionals by sharing best practice, driving innovation and advocating for evidence-based decision making across the industry. 

OUR TEAM

The AFL High Performance Association is led by an Executive and General Committee made up of representatives from clubs across the AFL. Our members are current industry leaders in high performance management, sports science and strength & conditioning, each contributing their unique expertise to advance best practice, drive innovation and foster excellence in the AFL environment. 

2026 OFFICE

EXECUTIVE BOARD

  • Mathew Inness

    Chair

  • Selwyn Griffith

    Deputy Chair

  • John Leyden

    Treasurer

  • BILLY HULIN

    Secretary

Joshua Ruddy

ESS
AFL

Matthew Taylor

STK
AFL/VFL

Matthew Green

BL
AFLW

GENERAL COMMITTEE

Nick Poulos

GWS
AFL

Jarrod Wade

COLL
AFL

Peter Burge

HAW
AFL

Ian McKeown

ADL
AFL

Tennille Cuttiford

GEEL
AFLW

Sam Janetzki

ADL
AFL

2026 SUB COMMITTEES

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

AFLW

Jordan Sellar
Matthew Green
Mathew Inness
Matthew Pell
Steve Moore
Tennille Cuttiford

Matthew Taylor

LIAISON

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Billy Hulin
Ian McKeown
Jarrod Wade
Mathew Inness
Selwyn Griffith

PATHWAYS

Ian McKeown
John Leyden
Nick Poulos
Sam Janetzki

Joshua Ruddy
Matthew Taylor

Get in touch

The AFL High Performance Association extends its deepest thanks to Darren Burgess for his outstanding leadership, guidance, and contribution as Chairman. Darren’s professionalism, integrity, and vast network across global high-performance sport have been instrumental in shaping the AFLHPA into the strong and connected association it is today. Through his proactive leadership, Darren ensured that the association could access the right people, knowledge, and resources to drive meaningful progress for members and the wider industry. His vision for collaboration and excellence has left an enduring legacy that will continue to influence the AFLHPA long after his tenure, as he moves on to his next chapter as Director of Performance at Juventus.

MICHAEL POULTON

HONOURABLE MENTION

DARREN BURGESS

The AFL High Performance Association extends its sincere gratitude to Michael Poulton for his extraordinary vision, leadership, and commitment in the establishment of this association.
Michael’s dedication and collaborative spirit were instrumental in bringing together high-performance professionals from across the AFL industry, laying the foundation for a united and forward-thinking community that continues to grow today.
His contribution remains a cornerstone of the AFLHPA’s ongoing success and evolution.

WHAT WE DO

  • We champion best practice and evidence-based innovation to position the AFL as a world leader in player performance, wellbeing, and sustainability. By engaging key stakeholders, we ensure decisions shape a sustainable future for the game and the people driving it.

  • We provide peer support and career growth opportunities, building industry-specific skills while connecting with national and international networks to drive continuous improvement in athletic performance.

  • We bring members together through our annual Gather Round event and End of Year Summit, fostering connection, collaboration, and shared learning across the AFL high-performance community.

Become a Member

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!